Considering the amount of sand on board, its distribution and the amount of ballast water, it is deduced that a weight of at least 4,560metric tonnes (ballast and sand) was applied in way of No.3 tank, which is adjacent to the middle of the barge. This weight alone amounts to 43percent of the barge's deadweight capacity. Such a distribution of the load produced excessive bending moments on the middle of the barge, causing structural ruptures, buckling and loss of longitudinal integrity of the hull.Analysis Considering the amount of sand on board, its distribution and the amount of ballast water, it is deduced that a weight of at least 4,560metric tonnes (ballast and sand) was applied in way of No.3 tank, which is adjacent to the middle of the barge. This weight alone amounts to 43percent of the barge's deadweight capacity. Such a distribution of the load produced excessive bending moments on the middle of the barge, causing structural ruptures, buckling and loss of longitudinal integrity of the hull. A quantity of 7,350metric tonnes of sand and 3,432metric tonnes of ballast water was on board. Owing to exceptional circumstances, a pile of sand was allowed to accumulate in the middle of the hold. There was a total weight of at least 4,560metric tonnes in way of No.3 tank. There was no sand in way of No.4 tank.Findings A quantity of 7,350metric tonnes of sand and 3,432metric tonnes of ballast water was on board. Owing to exceptional circumstances, a pile of sand was allowed to accumulate in the middle of the hold. There was a total weight of at least 4,560metric tonnes in way of No.3 tank. There was no sand in way of No.4 tank. The hull of the barge SAULT AU COCHON suffered structural ruptures, buckling and loss of longitudinal integrity because of poor distribution of the load, causing excessive bending moments on the middle of the barge.Causes And Contributing Factors The hull of the barge SAULT AU COCHON suffered structural ruptures, buckling and loss of longitudinal integrity because of poor distribution of the load, causing excessive bending moments on the middle of the barge.